Phoenix Foster opens up about Geelong experience after returning to SA

A delisted Geelong player has opened up on his “terrible” time at the Cats after returning to South Australia, saying he felt as though he was unappreciated.

A delisted Geelong player has claimed the club didn’t appreciate his efforts as he had a “terrible time” in 2024, ending his dream of an AFL career.

South Australian Phoenix Foster has opened up about his “really rough” time with Geelong after being delisted at the end of the 2024 season and joining Yorke Peninsula club Paskeville for season 2025.

The 20-year-old forward/ruck utility, originally from Wudinna, was drafted out of Norwood by the Cats in 2022 as a long-term prospect but told the club he did not want to stay at the end of last season after injury issues and mental hurdles.

Foster kicked 30 goals in 30 VFL games for Geelong but could not manage to break into the AFL side.

Phoenix Foster in action for Geelong in the VFL. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“Geelong was really rough, I had a really terrible time,” Foster said.

“With injuries and just mentally pushing through, last season was a really physically and emotionally draining year.

“The job of being an AFL footballer is great but it was just the environment I was in – I didn’t feel appreciated.

“The club kept trotting me out for eight weeks on an ankle that will need a reconstruction.

“I was a workhorse. I went over and beyond – my days would start at 7.30 in the morning and finish at 5 and I was usually there for a couple hours getting my body right before other players would come in for meetings.

“I understood I was a longer term prospect and I was injured but I just felt like the work I did went under the radar.”

Making his senior football debut at 14 years old for Wudinna, Foster would eventually become a promising prospect for Immanuel College and Norwood through his athleticism, overhead prowess and goalkicking ability.

He said he considered returning to the SANFL level after letting go of his AFL dream but wanted to join friends at Paskeville and enjoy footy.

Foster was drafted by the Cats in 2022. Picture: Brad Fleet

“I still made some good friends during my time with Geelong and have relationships.

“I achieved 95 per cent of my dream and I could almost touch the last five per cent but I had to make a decision about my happiness and mental health and what happened at Geelong wasn’t healthy.

“Connor Knight (Paskeville player) is my best mate and when we were at Immanuel we made a bit of a promise to play together at some point in the future.

“Within a month of leaving Geelong I was on the phone with the Paskeville coach … it’s a really community oriented country club and I’m excited to be at a place I’m valued and wanted and to just get back to enjoying the game I love.”

Foster said he felt unappreciated during his time with Geelong. Picture: Brad Fleet

Foster had meetings with the Redlegs but felt Paskeville would be the ideal situation.

He did not rule out making a return to SANFL football in the future.

“I wasn’t in a place mentally to come back from Geelong and go straight back to the SANFL system,” Foster said.

“I’m more than happy to have conversations with clubs in the future if all goes well but right now I don’t think the time is right.

“Paskeville is a community-oriented club and I’m excited to be at a place I’m valued and wanted.

“When I wake up and think about it I feel very excited … I feel like I can give a much-needed boost to a team that has been out of finals for a while.”

The AFL Players Association could not confirm if it had reached out to Foster after his departure from Geelong but said all current and former players would have access to help and support if needed.

“For confidentiality reasons, the AFLPA does not speak about the support we provide individual members,” a spokesperson said.

“However, all members have access to all of our programs and services, including a free, confidential and independent network of more than 500 mental health and wellbeing experts anywhere in the country.”

The Geelong Football Club has been contacted for comment.